Ausangate Curcuit Trek 5D/4N

This beautiful five day circular trek takes you around the massif of Nevado Ausangate and over three high passes, two of them over 5,000m. The trek begins in the town of Upis and ends in Pacchanta. The spectacular mountain landscape and unique wildlife make this trek memorable for a lifetime.

The itinerary:

Day 1: Cusco - Upis (4,400m/14,432ft)

We will leave Cusco at about 9am and take a 4 hour ride to Pacchanta. There we will stay the night at my Compadre Luis’ house and enjoy the thermal baths.

Day 2: Upis - Laguna Jatun Puqacocha (4,600m/15,088ft)

We hike to the first pass, the Arapa pass (4,850m), in the morning, continuing down the valley you'll pass the green lake of Puqa Q'ocha and in the afternoon, camp at the turquoise Lake Jatun Puqa Q'ocha.

In the morning we hike the second pass of Apuchata (4,900m) with the turquoise Laguna Ausangate below. From the lake we climb up again to the Palomani pass (5,200m), the highest point of the trek. Hiking down the next valley for an hour or so brings us to the campsite at Pampacancha.

Day 4: Suyrucochapampa - Campa Pass (5,050m) – Pacchanta (4,300m)

In the morning we will pass through large boulderfields and the snow-capped peaks of Tres Picos and Puca Punta will come into view. After passing through a small community the trail continues northwest to the final pass of this trek, the Campa pass (5,050m). From there we will descend for a few hours to the village of Pacchanta where we will stay at the home of my “Compadres” the Crispin Family. In the evening we can visit thermal baths with beautiful views of Ausangate.

Day 5: Pacchanta - Cusco

The last day we can sleep in until whenever we like. After breakfast we will go by car and bus back to Cusco.

Included in the package:

Transportation (Cusco to Upis & Pacchanta to Cusco)

All group camping equipment and tents

Guide

Cooks/Arrieros and horse service (will carry all expedition and personal gear)

Food from Lunch Day 1 until Breakfast Day 5.

Entrance to zone & thermal baths

You will need

clothing for cold and rain

waterproof hiking boots

headlamp

sleeping bag

backpack

sunglasses

sunscreen

A client should be acclimatized (at least 3 days in Cusco) and in good physical condition. You should have a good backpack and pair of trekking boots (waterproof), along with clothing for rain, cold and hot climates. There are no climbing elements involved but rugged terrain is crossed and unnecessary risks should not be taken.